Will the concept of leadership survive our cynical age? Good Leadership Will the concept of leadership survive our cynical age?

Twin Focus of This Teaching Jesus’ Leadership Principles for us to follow in our influence of others

Good Leadership John 10:1-2  1 "I tell you the truth, the man who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. 2 The man who enters by the gate is the shepherd of his sheep. Role of shepherds: Help the sheep survive! Cared for sheep kind of like pets.

Good Leadership John 10:3-5  3 The watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. 5 But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger's voice.“ A shepherd’s voice was key to his leadership Shepherds knew their sheep personally

Application for us? God values the individual God leads us relationally God leads as a model we can trust Hebrews 4:14-16  14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are--yet was without sin. 16 Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence,so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Application for us? God values the individual God leads us relationally God leads as a model we can trust Our joy is tied to how well we follow His voice We are ALL called to be relational leader-models for others Servant Team = A team of vested and active servants, uniting to glorify God, by together fulfilling His vision for New Hope Church.

Good Leadership John 10:6-11  6 Jesus used this figure of speech, but they did not understand what he was telling them. 7 Therefore Jesus said again, “I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. 8 All who ever came before me were thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. 9 I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. 11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. A shepherd’s life was often the only thing that stood between sheep & mortal danger (“gate”)

Application for us? Jesus is claiming to be THE WAY to God (John 14:6) Jesus did lay down His life for us Jesus is invested in us We are called to invest in others You may need to become an investor…take the plunge! This is where the “full life” is found…

Good Leadership Characteristics of “hired hands”: John 10:12-13  12 The hired hand is not the shepherd who owns the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. 13 The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep.  Characteristics of “hired hands”: Do some work & often look like shepherds In it ultimately because of what is in it for them Scatter at the first sign of serious adversity

Application for us? We need to examine ourselves for the “hired hand syndrome” Examine your primary motivations 1 Peter 5:1-4  1 To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ's sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed: 2 Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers--not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; 3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.

Application for us? We need to examine ourselves for the “hired hand syndrome” Examine your primary motivations Pay attention to how you respond to adversity!!! Rest knowing God never abandons His flock John 10:27-29  27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand.